Pancreas

The pancreas is an organ in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach and close to the spine, that produces substances (digestive enzymes) needed to break down and use food. The pancreas also produces insulin, the hormone that regulates sugar (glucose) in the blood.

By

Healthwise Staff

Primary Medical Reviewer

Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical Reviewer

Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology

Last Revised

May 25, 2011

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